Financially ailing Shujaa have landed a mega shot in the arm after leading betting firm Sportpesa announced a return to sponsoring rugby, with a Sh126mn three-year deal for the national sevens team.
The team had been going through tough financial times and the start of the season was characterized with players stretching their begging bowls to anyone who would care to come to their financial aid.
But now, they have a mega boost with a new sponsorship package that will go a long way in settling down the team for better performances. The side already wore SportPesa branded jersey for the last leg of the World Series in Dubai.
“We are delighted to be back in rugby even though we have not come in a big way as we did before. This is just the start and the reason we have a three-year deal is so that at the end, we can definitely increase it to something bigger,” said SportPesa CEO and Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri.
Kenya Rugby Union boss Oduor Gangla was elated with the return of the sponsorship and said that players will now be engaged in longer contracts.
“We want to put the players in better and bigger contracts so that there is more push to work and deliver. We are looking to have them contracted for up to the 2024 Olympic Games so that there is a bigger and long term plan,” Gangla said.
Speaking on behalf of the players, skipper Nelson Oyoo said; “As players we are really delighted because it has been a tough time and we thank Sportpesa for coming on board and sponsoring the team.”
